When you come to Colombia you will discover a completely new world. It is the land of magical realism, where everything is possible. Colombia’s economy is flourishing, it's the rising star of Latin America and is now one of the world's most exciting destinations - leading the world in post-pandemic tourism growth.
Here are some of the top reasons to intern in Colombia & why it is the place to be for an internship abroad:
Biodiversity & Cultural Diversity.
Colombia is the second most bio-diverse country on the planet. From the snow-capped mountains of Tolima, the seven types of blue of the Caribbean Sea, the sweltering heat of the colonial city of Cartagena, to the breath-taking beaches on both the Pacific & Caribbean coast (over 300 in total), stunning wildlife, dazzling plants, exotic fruits, beautiful villages, castles, colonial squares, or one of Colombia’s 19 Natural National Parks – there is so much to see & explore in this beautiful country! Colombia is also home to approximately 115 different indigenous groups according to the National Census conducted in 2018, making it one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Latin America. Cities like Cartagena are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with the Historical Center of Santa Cruz de Mompox and the Coffee region on the outskirts of Medellín which includes the Departments of Quindío, Risaralda, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca.
Interns can take advantage of their free time in Colombia to explore its diverse peoples, landscapes and rich biodiversity.Colombian People.
Colombia might not have an Eiffel Tower or a Statue of Liberty, but they do have the Colombian people – which is just as good, if not a lot better! Without a doubt, Colombians are some of the most positive, outgoing and friendliest people you are ever likely to meet. When you ask anyone who has been to Colombia about what they liked most about this country, often they will answer – the Colombian people!
Interning abroad in Colombia provides a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals.Refreshing Contrast to Rigid Corporate Culture.
Colombia's new generation in the workplace are breaking barriers in more ways than one and this applies to new & upcoming companies whose work culture is often characterized by work environments that encourage innovation and teamwork, along with creativity and flexibility, providing a supportive & refreshing work experience.
Interns in Colombia can contribute to short-term and medium-term projects in less-rigid work environments leading to concrete positive impacts for the local economy and local communities in Colombia.Easy to Improve Spanish-Language Skills.
Interning in Colombia offers a fantastic opportunity to improve your Spanish language skills. Colombia has a population of over 50 million people making it the second-largest country of native Spanish speakers following Mexico, so you won't be able to avoid daily conversations in Spanish with the locals. The Spanish in Colombia is widely considered to be one of the easiest accents to understand throughout the Spanish-speaking world, so your Spanish skills will really improve! In major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali the accent is quite similar & very easy to understand.
Being bilingual is a priceless asset in today’s global job market, and with nearly half a billion native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. Full cultural immersion through an international internship in Colombia will accelerate your language learning.Emerging Economy & Professional Development.
According to the IMF, Colombia is now among the 50 biggest economies in the world as of 2025. Colombia is also the fourth largest economy in Latin America and the country is known for its growing industries, including tech, renewable energies, tourism and agriculture. The country is increasingly recognized for its investment potential, attracting multinational companies, and Colombia's strategic location and membership in trade agreements such as the Pacific Alliance & Mercosur make it a gateway for international business. Interns can connect with professionals from various sectors and countries, enhancing their global network and offering valuable internship experiences.
Undertaking an internship in an emerging economy can be a major factor in making you stand out to companies & organizations looking to expand or operate internationally as you can demonstrate adaptability and intercultural experience.Local Cuisine.
Colombia is a mecca for food lovers where you get five countries for the price of one: the Andes, the Pacific coast, the eastern plains, the Amazon, and the Caribbean – each with its own ruch culture, culinary traditions, native ingredients and extraordinary geography. Most notable are Colombia’s exotic fruits and on every street corner you can find street vendors offering up fresh juice, arepas, empanadas and other food delights.
During an internship in Colombia interns can discover local markets and sample colourful exuberant fruits - getting your five-a-day has never been so easy!Cost of Living.
Compared to many developed countries, the cost of living in Colombia is relatively cheap. For example, a two-course lunch wouldn’t cost you more than 4 USD and a ride on public transportation is less than a dollar. Colombia also has various budget airlines making it easy to go & explore cities such as Cartagena, Cali, Santa Marta, Bogotá, Medellín and Barranquilla.
Interns can explore the country hassle-free & without breaking the bank.We hope you enjoyed our top reasons to intern in Colombia - stay tuned for a our next installment on the Intern Colombia blog!
Interested in learning more about our all-inclusive internship programs in Colombia? Contact us & explore opportunities here.
This blog post was written & published by Intern Colombia on 17 March 2025
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